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The best kids sunscreens for summer 2022: What parents and caregivers need to know

Here are some key insights from the 2022 EWG analysis, as well as top recommendations for kids sunscreens.

Danielle Page
The best kids sunscreens for summer 2022: What parents and caregivers need to know

Ideally, summertime is meant to be a worry-free season of fun. But staying safe and protected from the sun isn’t as straightforward as it should be, especially when many sunscreens on the market aren’t offering adequate protection. 

For their 16th annual guide to sunscreen, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently rated the safety and efficacy of over 1,850 sun protection products. An astounding 75% percent of which were found to either poorly protect skin from the sun or contain potentially harmful ingredients.

In a press release, Carla Burns, EWG’s senior director for cosmetic science, noted, “Some ingredients commonly found in sunscreens have been linked to both human and environmental concerns. We slather these ingredients on our skin, but many of these chemicals haven’t been adequately tested.”

Here are some key insights from the 2022 EWG analysis, as well as top recommendations for sunscreens that offer adequate protection and are safe to use. 

How to read sunscreen labels

EWG’s testing standards evaluate sunscreens based on ingredients and efficacy. Below are a few key things to look out for when purchasing sunscreen.

Avoid oxybenzone

Oxybenzone is a chemical that has been linked to long term health concerns including an increased risk of thyroid tumors. Concerns have been raised about the use of oxybenzone products on children specifically since there’s a higher potential for absorption, according to the FDA. Though the FDA has called for more research on oxybenzone, it’s still found in many sunscreens. 

Skip Vitamin A

Studies suggest that Vitamin A can contribute to skin tumors and lesions when used on the skin during sun exposure. Skip sunscreen products that contain Vitamin A.

Pass on spray sunscreens

They’re marketed as convenient, but spray sunscreens cause more problems than protection. The accidental inhalation of spray sunscreens, whether applied indoors or on a windy day, can lead to lung damage. Additionally, the application of spray sunscreen fails to provide an adequate layer of protection according to research from Griffith University.

Don’t fall for high SPF values

Testing has shown that sunscreens with higher SPF values have not been clinically shown to provide higher protection than those with lower SPF. While there have been discussions about the FDA limiting the highest SPF number to 50+, it has not yet been put into effect. When shopping for sunscreen, stay away from SPF numbers that exceed 50+.

Best sunscreens of summer 2022

Here’s a list of the best sunscreens for summer 2022 that provide adequate sun protection and don’t contain harmful ingredients, according to rigorous testing by the EWG.

Best sunscreen for kids and babies

Images via SunBioLogic and Amazon

Sunscreens in this category provide sun protection and don’t contain ingredients that harm the environment or correlate with potential health issues. These formulas are made with ingredients gentle enough to use on infants and kids. 

Best stick sunscreen for kids

Images via Amazon and Tubby Todd

Made for mess-free application, these sunscreen stick formulas stack up to the criteria for protection and pure ingredients in a convenient to apply stick. 

Best recreational sunscreen

Images via Poofy Organics, Sea Kind, Target

Sunscreen formulas in this category are well suited for recreational wear. These products are suited for playing outdoors, but should be reapplied according to product guidelines.

Best lip balms with SPF

Images via Amazon and Eleven by Venus

Lips need protection from the sun, too. This list of lip balms with SPF keeps lips protected and hydrated, and are free of potentially harmful ingredients.

The bottom line on buying sunscreen this summer

Keeping kids safe and protected from sun exposure during the summer months is integral for skin health. A handful of sunburns during childhood can increase the chances of skin cancer by 50%. Read labels, reapply often and stay up to date on the latest sun protection findings. If you’re unsure about whether or not a product is safe to use, resources like EWG’s sunscreen label decoder can help.